I never thought I’d be dabbing breastmilk onto my husband’s eczema patch and calling it a win—but here we are.

Motherhood never ceases to surprise me.

Not just in the daily whirlwind of it all, but in the unexpected ways I’m learning to nourish the ones I love.

I’ve come to know that breastmilk isn’t just food for babies—it’s liquid gold. Healing, nourishing, protective, some might even say miraculous!

It started with the basics: breastfeeding around the clock and establishing that deep bond between baby and me. There’s something truly beautiful and sacred about knowing that my body continues to sustain my baby outside of the womb. That being said, breastfeeding is not straightforward for many mothers and, with my second baby, I was presented with some challenges in the beginning, notably trying to achieve the perfect latch.

I dealt with quite a bit of jaw-clenching nipple pain due to a shallow latch, so I decided to take occasional breaks and pump instead, giving the girls time to heal. During that time, I built up a little extra freezer stash of milk which originally I was going to use for feeding if I ever was out of the house and my husband needed to feed the baby,

Milk stash turned healing balm.

To my surprise, it worked beautifully!

The improvement in his skin was so noticeable that even my husband started asking if I had a little extra for his dry patches. That’s when I began to realize this milk might have even more to offer.

Curious and encouraged by the results, I started digging into other ways breastmilk can be used—and I was amazed by what I found.

💧 What I Use Breastmilk For (Besides Feeding My Baby)

It’s become our go-to remedy for almost everything. Truly.

• Eczema – My toddler and husband break out in patches of eczema on their bodies usually when there’s a sudden change in the weather. Other irritants which can cause flare ups are chlorine and certain skin lotions and creams which contain alcohol as they dry out their skin. I found that a little breastmilk dabbed on in the morning and night can be really effective!
• Pink eye/Conjunctivitis – One drop in the corner of the eye. Works a charm.
• Cradle cap – Massage it in before a bath, gently brush it out. So simple.
• Diaper rash – I used to reach for creams. Now, I just reach for me.
• Cuts, bug bites, and sunburn – It soothes, heals, and even reduces swelling and redness.

There’s something deeply satisfying about offering something so natural and immediate to the people I love. No late-night pharmacy runs. No wondering what’s in the cream. Just this gift my body is already making.

🧬 Don’t Believe Me? Check Out The Science

Breastmilk is packed with antibodies, enzymes, natural antivirals, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s literally made to protect and heal: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/features/breastfeeding-benefits.html

Researchers have found it has antibacterial effects, promotes tissue repair, and even adapts its contents to suit your baby’s needs.

Honestly, why wouldn’t it help a rash or a scrape?

💪 Feeling Like a Superhero

There are days when I feel run ragged. The dishes never end. The clothes I put on are instantly dirty from sticky toddler hands, and the house looks like a toy store exploded. But there are moments of pure gratitude, when I get to pause and consider what God has allowed my body to do for my family.

With all its benefits, making breastmilk really does feel like having a superpower.

You won’t catch me jumping from rooftops or wearing a cape—but you may find me doing a funny dance to cheer up my toddler while making breakfast and breastfeeding my baby in a sling, all at the same time.

And to me that’s heroic enough!

Who knew the hero of the story would be leaking milk and wiping noses, but here I am!

💌 For The Mother Reading This

If you’re breastfeeding, whether for a week or a year, your milk is incredible. Your body is incredible. You are doing something heroic, even when it doesn’t feel like it. If you’ve never used breastmilk for anything but feeding, maybe give it a try the next time someone in your house has a rash or a sore.

You might just find yourself feeling like a bit of a superhero too.

P.S. Want to keep a cheat sheet handy?
📝 Download my printable list of 10 Surprising Uses for Breastmilk and stick it on your fridge or inside your medicine cabinet. Because mama, you’re doing amazing—and your milk is too.